Breaking: Narcotics Found in Dried Yeast Shipment at Vizag Port
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has foiled a major drug smuggling attempt at Visakhapatnam Port in Andhra Pradesh. Acting on a tip from Interpol, the CBI intercepted a shipping container containing around 25,000 kg of inactive dried yeast, allegedly laced with narcotics.
AS PART OF OPERATION GARUDA CBI DETAINS A SHIPPING CONTAINER SUSPECTED TO HAVE NARCOTICS DRUGS MIXED WITH AROUND 25000 KG INACTIVE DRIED YEAST; ENTIRE CONSIGNMENT SEIZED AND CASE REGISTERED pic.twitter.com/VLyV6bGopC
— Central Bureau of Investigation (India) (@CBIHeadquarters) March 21, 2024
Image source: Twitter
Operation Garuda Nets Suspicious Cargo
As part of their ongoing “Operation Garuda” against international drug cartels, the CBI, with the assistance of Visakhapatnam Customs Department, detained the container. The shipment originated from Santos Port, Brazil, and was consigned to a Visakhapatnam-based private company. The company had declared the cargo as 1,000 bags of 25-kg inactive dried yeast, typically used for shrimp feed.
Initial Examination Raises Red Flags
However, upon closer inspection using narcotics detection mechanisms, CBI officials suspected the presence of narcotics mixed with the dried yeast. The entire consignment was seized, and an FIR (First Information Report) was registered against the consignee and unidentified individuals.
Modus Operandi Points to International Network
This modus operandi, where illegal drugs are concealed within legitimate cargo like dried yeast, suggests the involvement of a sophisticated international criminal network. The CBI has a history of conducting successful anti-drug operations based on Interpol intelligence.
Company Maintains Innocence, Vows Cooperation
The company named in the FIR maintains their innocence. They claim to have ordered the dried yeast for legitimate shrimp feed production and possess all the necessary documentation. Representatives were present when the container was opened and tested by CBI officials. They have pledged their full cooperation throughout the investigation.
Investigation Continues
The CBI is currently conducting further investigations to identify the culprits and dismantle the smuggling operation. This significant seizure highlights the agency’s vigilance in combating international drug trafficking.
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